The next day, Hokage Tower.
Gekko Chizan dragged Hatake Sakumo along to meet the Hokage.
He completely ignored Sakumo's murderous glare and the way he kept clutching his sore lower back.
"Hokage-sama, I need to speak with you!"
He knocked while pushing the door open, barging in without hesitation.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up at the two who entered, a trace of confusion flickering in his eyes.
"Hm? Chizan, what brings you here?"
"Sakumo, what happened to your back?"
Gekko Chizan set Hatake Sakumo down on the nearby sofa.
Then he stood solemnly in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen couldn't help but notice—he had rarely ever seen this rascal with such a serious expression before.
It looked like something truly important had brought him here.
"Hokage-sama, I want to request your approval for Pakura to join the Hatake Clan and, at the same time, become a citizen of Konoha."
His words caused a stir—both Hiruzen Sarutobi and Hatake Sakumo were visibly surprised.
"You're serious? She's willing to leave Sunagakure and come to Konoha?"
Hiruzen was, after all, the Hokage. He had to think of the village's welfare.
Although he sincerely hoped Pakura would join Konoha—a bloodline limit with offensive capabilities was incredibly rare.
"Yes, I've already obtained her consent."
"She also personally expressed her desire to join Konoha."
Gekko Chizan couldn't help but recall the conversation from the previous night.
Under the moonlight, Pakura had smiled—a smile so natural, filled with relief and hope for the future.
"I want to join Konoha..."
"But I don't want to be a ninja anymore..."
"I want to be a teacher, someone who educates and nurtures..."
"Chizan, thank you... for rescuing me from hell..."
There was one more thing Pakura hadn't said aloud, only whispered silently in her heart: If you'd told me to stay earlier, I would've agreed right away, hmph, stupid brat!
Someone who longed to escape from hell and embrace life—how could she not be worth saving?
That was why Gekko Chizan came. And he brought Hatake Sakumo with him.
"Sakumo, what's your opinion?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't answer immediately but turned to ask Sakumo.
Hatake Sakumo stopped rubbing his back, slowly stood beside Chizan, and spoke with equal seriousness.
"The Hatake Clan is willing to accept Pakura. Personally, I can adopt her as a foster child—that is, as my disciple—and vouch for her with my own military achievements."
(This "foster child" arrangement is inspired by Demon Slayer. It's not about calling him "Dad," but more like taking him as a mentor.)
Gekko Chizan glanced at Sakumo. Though reluctant, he had to admit Sakumo was right.
His own contributions to Konoha weren't enough to protect Pakura.
The only person who could make this happen was none other than the White Fang of Konoha.
Not even the Legendary Sannin could manage it.
Later on, if he eloped with Pakura—well, she was a foster child, not a biological one! They'd each mind their own business! You want him to call you something? Dream on!
Have you ever seen an old...
And besides, this old fox had said it himself—just a disciple, simply registered under the Hatake name.
"Hahaha, good. In that case, I approve Pakura's request to join the village."
"But in the short term, and even during future wars, she cannot leave the village or act as a ninja."
"That is the most important condition."
Though Hiruzen was smiling, his tone held no humor. It was deadly serious.
"No problem. Pakura herself no longer wishes to be a ninja. She wants to work at the ninja academy as a teacher."
"Also, I won't lift the Five Element Seal on her, and I'll ensure she doesn't leave the village."
Hatake Sakumo was currently the principal of the ninja academy. Having Pakura teach there was the perfect choice—especially since she wanted the job.
With Sakumo at the academy, she'd be under the best protection.
Hatake Sakumo nodded. After all, he was the principal.
"I support Pakura becoming a teacher. Although she won't continue as a ninja, she has a wealth of experience."
"Many students at the academy enjoy her basic ninjutsu classes."
"And with me around, people can rest assured."
That last remark clearly targeted some with ulterior motives.
But he wasn't afraid. Even if he no longer led the Anbu, he was still the White Fang of Konoha, a war hero!
"Alright. Let's proceed as planned."
Hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi agree, Gekko Chizan finally breathed a sigh of relief. As long as the Hokage approved, everything else would go much more smoothly.
After all, only a few people even knew Pakura's true identity.
"However, Gekko Chizan, my agreement comes with conditions."
Hiruzen silently clamped his pipe between his lips. Thick smoke instantly obscured his face.
But Gekko Chizan was no fool—just a sly little fox. How could he not guess what this old fox was thinking?
"Tch, I knew you'd want something."
"Go ahead, what do you need me to do?"
Hatake Sakumo chuckled lightly and sat back on the sofa—this part no longer concerned him.
Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke and slowly stood up.
"After the graduation and Chūnin exams, you'll officially join the Anbu and begin undertaking missions."
"The shinobi world is in chaos. We cannot afford to relax. I need your strength."
Chizan had known it wouldn't come free. Although he was already an Anbu member, he hadn't taken on any actual missions yet.
Previously, he'd rushed off to the Land of Grass, completely dodging his Anbu responsibilities.
"Fine, I accept."
"Once the exams are over, I'll report for duty immediately."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction.
"Alright, you can leave now. Sakumo and I still have things to discuss."
Chizan nodded, then activated Flying Thunder God and vanished.
"This brat, can't he just walk out the door like a normal person?"
"Honestly."
Watching Gekko Chizan disappear, Hiruzen turned to Hatake Sakumo.
"Are you truly planning to groom him as your successor?"
Hatake Sakumo smiled faintly and nodded.
"Once someone forms bonds, they begin to move forward steadily."
"Sayo's whole family, his younger brother, and now Pakura... all of them give him reason to grow stronger."
"He'll become an exceptional Anbu captain and intel specialist."
"I don't misjudge people."
Hiruzen sighed. Ever since Sakumo stepped down, the Anbu had become swamped with issues.
After all, the Anbu was like a blade—and Sakumo had always been the one wielding it. With him, Konoha possessed the sharpest edge.
But now that he'd stepped down, the blade had lost its gleam.
"Don't worry, Hokage-sama. He won't disappoint you."
"Though the kid's kind of a scoundrel, he's dependable when it comes to serious matters."
"His recent missions prove that."
"He'll grow into a shinobi capable of standing on his own."
Hatake Sakumo rubbed his aching lower back, a confident look on his face.
His judgment was never wrong. Gekko Chizan was gold—and he was already beginning to shine.
...
A/N: The arc of Pakura joining Konoha is finally finished! We can now return to the inhuman chaos of daily life.
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